Lavrov to Visit North Korea Amid Deepening Ties with Russia
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to visit North Korea this weekend.
- The visit signals a deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea.
- North Korea may deploy an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to support Russia.
- US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Russia’s actions.
- Lavrov is likely to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit.
Growing Ties Between Russia and North Korea
One of the most influential figures in Russia, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is preparing for a visit to North Korea this weekend. This trip is noteworthy, indicating a significant shift in Moscow’s relationship with Pyongyang amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Russian state media agency TASS, Lavrov’s visit will take place from July 11 to July 13, serving as part of the second strategic dialogue round between leading diplomats, as stated by foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
Military Support in the Context of the Ukraine War
Lavrov’s trip comes during a period of escalating military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. Reports suggest that North Korea is deploying an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to support Russia’s intensified offensive on Ukraine—this is on top of the estimated 11,000 soldiers sent over last year. As the United States grows increasingly frustrated with this alliance, President Donald Trump has vocally criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for undermining peace talks, while offering more support to Ukraine.
North Korea’s Role and Heavy Losses
During his time in North Korea, Lavrov is expected to meet with his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son Hui, with whom he held talks during her visit to Moscow in November 2024. Lavrov previously acknowledged the “very close contacts” with North Korean military officials, which may also lead to a possible meeting with Kim Jong Un. The ties seem to be deepening despite North Korea suffering heavy losses; it’s estimated that about 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured in Russia as they actively participate alongside Russian forces in various operations.
In summary, Sergey Lavrov’s upcoming visit to North Korea marks a pivotal moment in the alliance between these two nations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With North Korea preparing to send thousands of additional soldiers, the military collaboration could significantly impact both the war efforts and regional security. This development further complicates the geopolitical landscape as the US expresses its discontent with Russia’s actions and support for Ukraine continues to escalate.
